Palestine/Tel Aviv 1 Bishlik token, 1914Item code: 0010095

(Ottoman) Palestine - Tel Aviv municipality 1 Bishlik paper money token, 1914.This rare paper token was one of a series of emergency notes issued by the 5-year old Tel Aviv city council during the Summer and Fall of 1914, with the outbreak of World War I. Trade in Eretz Israel ground to a standstill, with most of her trade sources now being declared "enemies" by the Turks. The banks in the Holy Land now closed as well, as most were connected in some way with Turkey's new foes. The Ottoman Empire also imposed a heavy "emergency tax" on the Tel Aviv-Jaffo residents, which further worsened their economic situation. In response to the lack of circulating currency, the Tel Aviv council issued these tokens.

One Bishlik was worth 1/2 a German Frank (or 2 and 1/2 Turkish Piastres, or 100 Turkish Para). Series "H" issue, in F-VF condition with a fold in the center.